(Week03) Computer Hardware
(Week03) Computer Hardware
Week 3
Computer Hardware
Reference:
Module 3: Campbell, J. T., Ciampa, M., Clemens, B., Freund, S. M., Frydenberg, M.,
Hooper, R., Ruffolo, L. (2020). Technology for Success: Computer Concepts,
Cengage Learning.
Lesson Objectives
• Categorize the various types of computer hardware
• Demonstrate familiarity with input and output devices
• Maintain hardware components
Categorize the Various Types of Computer
Hardware (1 of 2)
• Define each component of computer hardware
• Types of computer hardware
• How computers represent data
• Internal, external, and cloud-based storage solutions
Categorize the Various Types of Computer
Hardware (2 of 2)
• The pros and cons of using different types of computer, including all-in-ones,
tablets, mobile devices, and desktop computers
• Determine which hardware features are personally necessary to consider
when purchasing a computer
Component of Computer Hardware (1 of 3)
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• A complex integrated circuit consisting of millions of electronic parts and is
primarily responsible for converting input (data) into meaningful output
(information)
• Data travels in and out of the CPU through a bus
• Machine cycle
Component of Computer Hardware (2 of 3)
Computer Memory
• Responsible for holding data and
programs as they are being processed by
the CPU
• Random access memory (RAM)
o Virtual memory
o Swap file/paging file
• Read-only memory (ROM)
o BIOS
o Power-on self test (POST)
o Firmware
Component of Computer Hardware (3 of 3)
Input and Output Devices
• Input device: communicates instructions and commands to a computer
o Examples: keyboard, mouse
• Output device: conveys information from the computer to the user
o Examples: speakers, printers
Types of Computer Hardware (1 of 2)
Common Types of RAM
Consideration Questions
Platform • Do I need to use software that requires a
specific platform?
• Does the computer need to be compatible with
other devices I own that use a particular
platform?
Hardware • Do I require specific hardware to perform
intended tasks?
• How much data and information do I plan to
store on the computer?
Hardware • Will the tasks I perform or software I want to
specification run require certain hardware specification?
Form factor • Will I be using this computer in one location, or
will I need to be mobile?
Add-on- • What additional devices will I need to perform
devices my intended tasks?
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Computer
(2 of 3)
Different storage Add the storage requirements for each program or app you want to use, and select a
requirements computer with the storage capacity that exceeds the sum of all storage requirements.
Other differing In most cases, identify the program or app with the greater requirement and select a
hardware requirements computer that at least meets or exceeds this requirements.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Computer
(3 of 3)